Can Rode’s little PodMic give the broadcasting heavyweights a run for their money? We pit it against the industry-standard Shure SM7B.

Bristol-based synth pioneer Modal Electronics goes organic with its latest elemental synth series. We test its credentials.

With an addictive appetite for partials, saws and plenty more, Rob Papen’s newly updated soft-synth cuts straight to the heart of your mix.

iZotope has tweaked its flagship vocal-production suite with some new features – but are they worth the asking price?

With the beta of Live 11 in our hands, it’s time for us to scope out some of the most intriguing new additions. While there’s not much in the way of new instruments as such, there are many new sounds and workflows to explore.

We're not robots, so it's time to stop making robot music

See what your processors are doing with this free oscilloscope and monitoring plug-in.

You can achieve mesmerising results with the right application of Live's idiosyncratic audio effect

We round up some of our favourite sites for fresh, inspiring samples.

Feeling highly strung about your current project? Fret not! We explore how legendary artists incorporated strings into their work, and show you how similar results can be achieved with Orchestral Tools' LA Sessions.

Whether you’re looking to surprise the producer in your life or give yourself a festive treat, here are some presents to pop under the tree.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for your plug-in folder.